WhatsApp quoteA Dubai mainland licence, issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), lets your company trade anywhere in the UAE, bid for government work and open as many branches as you need. Choosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate customers recognise without a second thought. As we tell every client, kenyans are a growing East African community working in aviation, hospitality, logistics and trade, so the Dubai authority, the banks and the immigration officers see Kenyan applications every day and process them without hesitation. GoldenKey has Kenyan customers from Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu, and our consultants understand the papers granted in Kenya and how to attest them for the UAE.
Why Dubai
Dubai mainland licences are granted by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which currently processes most standard files in around 4 working days. Instant Licence lets some activities start within minutes with a one-year office exemption.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
From day one, we select the correct activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and the legal form, in most cases a LLC or a sole establishment.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
GoldenKey reserves your trade name and obtains initial approval from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), including any external approvals your activity needs. If the authority raises a query on opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Kenyan founder at this stage, we handle it the same day.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
The memorandum of association is signed (online or before the notary), your tenancy is registered and the complete file is submitted to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
Just as important, your Dubai mainland licence is issued, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin. If the authority raises a query on opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Kenyan founder at this stage, we handle it the same day.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Kenyan founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- Engineer's attested degree and experience letters
- A passport granted by Kenya with at least six months' validity
Pricing
Pricing for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Kenyan founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. In practice, all prices for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Kenyan founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay.
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
| Additional visa | AED 3,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual renewal | AED 12,000 |
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-06.
Why the UAE
As we tell every client, the UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, which is why so many founders choose it as a base for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Kenyan founder. Residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Kenyan founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
Why GoldenKey
From day one, we will tell you plainly if Dubai is not the right choice for your plan and point you to a better option, even when that option costs less. Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Kenyan founder happen the same day they are ready. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Kenyan founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves fast.
Crucially, if you would like a written quotation for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Kenyan founder, use the form below or message us on WhatsApp and we will respond as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Dubai mainland company trade in other emirates?
Yes. A mainland licence is valid across the UAE, and you can open branches in other emirates by registering with their economic departments.
Can I convert my free zone company to a Dubai mainland company?
From day one, you cannot convert directly, but you can open a mainland branch of your free zone company or set up a new mainland LLC and transfer the business. GoldenKey advises on the most tax-efficient route.
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Dubai mainland company?
In short, for most commercial and industrial activities, no. Since 2021 foreign nationals can own 100% of a Dubai mainland LLC. A short list of strategic activities still requires Emirati participation, and GoldenKey checks your activity before you commit.
What approvals does engineering consultancy need?
As we tell every client, municipality engineering consultancy registration. GoldenKey obtains these as part of the setup.
Do Kenyans need a UAE visa before applying for Dubai?
Not in that case. You can apply for the licence from Kenya with scanned paperwork, and the investor residence visa is processed afterwards.
